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London is served by a total of five airports. Travelling from the London’s airports has been made relatively easy by the large number of public transport links that are in place. Below we have outlined these airports and some of the regional airports in the area. For tips on how to get from these around into the city why not check out i Hotels London tips on Getting around London.
Heathrow is London and Europe's largest airport and the world's busiest airport in terms of international passenger movement, with services available from most major airports world-wide. Flights landing at Heathrow are often delayed by up to an hour as a simple result of air traffic congestion and waiting for parking slots. As airlines that fly into Heathrow are currently playing a system-wide game of musical chairs as gate assignments are cycled through the new terminal, i Hotels London advise you to double-check you terminal and gate assignment in advance to avoid any delays.
Formerly and sometimes still is known as London Gatwick Airport. It is located 45.7 km (28.4 mi) south of Central London. It is London's second largest international airport and second busiest by total passenger traffic in the United Kingdom after Heathrow. Gatwick has the world's busiest single-use runway and is Europe's leading airport for point-to-point flights.
Getting to Stansted for an early morning flight is fairly straight forward, coaches run through the night, provided by Terravision from London Victoria and London Liverpool Street. The trip will cost £9 one way and runs roughly every hour throughout the night, but be sure check their website for up to date timetable information.
As large number of budget flights depart from Stansted as early as 6AM this can present travellers with a problem, as the airport's location is a long way outside London, and transport to the airport is sporadic before 5:30AM. Due to the high price of accommodation and near the airport, an increasing number of travellers choose to spend the night in the airport prior to their flight. If you plan to the same here are some tips for sleeping at Stansted Airport:
Arrive around 10PM and stake your territory immediately. Benches without armrests are in limited supply and fill up quickly. If you arrive later, bring a floor mat and sleeping bag. Sleeping on the floor is tolerated by the staff, but avoid pitching your bed in front of shops and counters.
Ear plugs and eye covers are a must, as the cleaning staff are noisy and shop assistants start arriving at around 4AM to open shutters. At least one cafe is open all night, offering snacks and hot drinks. A chemist is also open 24/7 should the need arise to visit one. Toilets also remain open and are usually in good condition.
Luton has traditionally been a holiday charter airport, but it is now also served by some budget scheduled carriers, such as Ryanair and easyJet. Like Stansted, this airport is a considerable distance from the city and many flights leave at the early hours of the morning, so its no wonder that most choose to spend the night here before flying, again if you plan on staying at the airport we suggest that you follow the same tips for Stansted.
London City Airport is a commuter airport close to the city's financial district, and specializing in short-haul business flights to other major European cities. However, it is not as expensive to fly into as it used to be, and you may indeed find that from some origins, this may be your cheapest London airport to fly to, considering savings the transfer costs from London larger Airports. Then there is the added bonus is that it is close to central London.
Other airports near London
London Southend Airport is currently undergoing redevelopment and is set to become London's sixth international airport once the new rail link is completed. At present it serves destinations in the British Isles only.
Southampton Airport, is not officially a London airport though accessible enough to conveniently serve the capital, especially South West London. A couple of budget carriers serving an increasing number of European destinations are based here. Direct trains connect Southampton airport to London Waterloo station.
Birmingham International Airport is another non-London airport worth considering as a less congested and hectic alternative to Heathrow. As a major airport serving there is a good choice of long distance and European destinations. Direct trains connect Birmingham International to London Euston.
